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Nem Nuong Restaurant Review

A great Vietnamese restaurant in Los Angeles

If you are in the Los Angeles area, you must give one of the area’s famous Vietnamese restaurants a try. Little Saigon has many wonderful Vietnamese restaurants. However, in my opinion, none is as great as Brodard’s Nem Nuong Restaurant.

Originally, Brodard was only a French bakery. Then due to its popularity with the locals, Brodard started serving up many authentic Vietnamese dishes. Nowadays, Brodard is most famous for its delicious Nem Nuong.

On my visit to the Los Angeles area, I had the pleasure of dining at Brodard’s Nem Nuong Restaurant twice. Both times, I made sure to order the Nem Nuong Cuon, which is a grilled pork patty wrapped in rice paper. They were in fact the best Nem Nuong Cuon I have ever tasted in my life. I especially enjoyed the dipping sauce that came with it.

Besides the Nem Nuong Cuon, something else I really loved from Brodard was their large red kidney bean with green tapioca dessert. At just $3, it’s my all-time favorite Vietnamese dessert. Most interesting was the fact that Brodard actually made this type of dessert better than shops that specialize in making such Vietnamese desserts.

Two other dishes that I had tried at Brodard’s Nem Nuong Restaurant were the Banh Hoi Brodard and the Cha Ca Thang Long. Both were super tasty. Therefore, I would not hesitate in recommending either of those two dishes. Since everything I ordered at Brodard’s Nem Nuong restaurant was great, I would love to return there one day to try out some more dishes off of their menu.

Deluxe and VIP Warner Bros. Studio Tours

Warner Bros. is the name behind many of the most popular television shows. Therefore, the studio is always busy with various types of production works. That makes it all very interesting for you to see on a Warner Bros. Studio Tour.

At the Warner Bros. Studio, there are two main types of tours. The VIP tour is the one that is going to give you a good glimpse into what goes on behind-the-scenes at the studio. The VIP tour is 145 minutes in length. On the tour, your guide will take you to the set of highly memorable film moments. Plus the guide will explain how the moments are created. Something really cool about the Warner Bros. Studio VIP Tour is the fact that they allow you to walk right onto the set of a popular television show, and see their prop department and costume department up-close. You’ll even have the chance to have either breakfast or lunch with some of the personnel who work at the studio. The VIP tour is moderately priced at $49 a person.

The Deluxe Tour at the Warner Bros. Studio is the most expensive tour there, costing $250 a person. However, it is worth it if you crave a really in-depth view of the movie-making world. The tour is five hours long, and includes lunch at the onsite Commissary Fine Dining Room—where you’ll have a real shot at dining with a celebrity. Also, unique to the Deluxe Tour is the fact that they allow you to chat with important crew members.

Studio Tour at Universal Studios Hollywood

Los Angeles is where tourists go to see Hollywood, and a good place to start is the Universal Studios Hollywood theme park. At Universal Studios Hollywood, you can get an awesome studio tour. On the tour, you will see four acres of land that includes more than a dozen newly constructed city blocks—all of which was built with the consultation of famous director, Steven Spielberg.

During your studio tour inside of Universal Studios Hollywood, you will be constantly entertained by the humorous Jimmy Fallon. He will show you video clips that is sure to delight. The clips will all be shown on HD television monitors.

Remember the scary airplane crash from the movie War of the Worlds? You will encounter it during your studio tour. Also, you will see the special effects from The Fast and the Furious up close.

Are you a fan of ABC’s Desperate Housewives? Then I am sure you are familiar with Wisteria Lane. Well after your studio tour at Universal Studios Hollywood, you can actually say that you have seen the Wisteria Lane in person.

If you have ever seen the movie Psycho, then I am certain that you still remember the Bates Motel. It too is part of the Universal Studios Hollywood studio tour. So be on the lookout for an encounter with Norman Bates.

Jaws was a movie that had caused many to fear the ocean. Relive some of those fears on the studio tour. Feel your heart pound as Jaws come at you from underneath the water.

From Los Angeles to Catalina Island

Los Angeles is such a wonderful city to be in, that it can be hard to justify a reason for wanting to get away from Los Angeles for a few days. However, if you know anything about Catalina Island, then you will have found your reason for wanting to do a little getaway vacation. Whether you are a local or a tourist in Los Angeles, you must give in to visiting the Catalina Island of California. Catalina Island is beautiful, and being there will make you feel as if you were vacationing somewhere exotic. Best of all, Catalina Island is easily accessible from Los Angeles.

Where is Catalina Island in relations to the rest of California? It is a little more than 20 miles from Southern California’s coastline. Catalina Island really is an island. That means it is surrounded by water all around. For that reason, you must travel either in the air or in the water to get to Catalina Island. There are helicopters that can take you to Catalina Island if you prefer to travel in the air. If you are afraid of heights, feel free to utilize the services of the boating companies to help you get to Catalina Island. Air travel to Catalina Island usually takes about 15 minutes from Los Angeles. Meanwhile, getting to Catalina Island on a boat from the Los Angeles area takes roughly an hour. If you are lucky enough to have your own sea or air transportation, you are allowed to use it to get to Catalina Island.

Iris Cirque du Soleil

Cirque du Soleil shows are always a delight to see. That includes the Iris show in Los Angeles. All Cirque du Soleil shows have their own storylines. So what is Iris about? It is a story about all that cinema has been through in all of these years. Also, it shows viewers how movies and animations are made.

The show will take you through all genres of film. You will see how movies went from being all black and white to having a vivid display of colors. See the transition from movies that do not include any talking to having the vast amount of dialogue that they do now. Plus allow Cirque du Soleil to show you how movies went from being just a series of fixed shots to what they are today—a lively display of camera action that can make film viewers feel as though they are in the movie while watching it.

As is the norm with all Cirque du Soleil shows, you can expect to see a lot of action on the stage. The professionals who are stars in Iris have all perfected their craft. Their dancing and acrobatic skills are top notch, and it works wonderfully to paint the storyline of the show. Plus it goes beautifully with the music of the show.

When you are in Los Angeles, you can watch Iris most days out of the week. However, don’t count on watching the show on a Monday. That’s the one day out of the week in which Iris does not perform.

Poker at Commerce Casino

Do you want to play some poker while in the Los Angeles area? Then make the drive to Commerce. The poker casino in Commerce is supposedly the largest in the world.

If you are only interested in playing the slot machines whenever you go to a casino, then the Commerce Casino is not for you. You won’t be able to find any slot machines there. However, if you enjoy playing table games, Commerce Casino will be able to fill your need with much ease.

Why aren’t slots a part of Commerce Casino? California laws do not allow for them at this time. Only games that require actual skills are permitted right now.

Commerce Casino is not located on Indian grounds. It is simply a place that is privately owned and operated. It has been in operation since 1983.

If you are new to playing poker, you can learn right at Commerce Casino. They have classes that are free for you, and are available at all times. So even if you come in at 3 am, you can still learn how to play poker. You do not have to worry about losing money during the poker classes. The classes are taught using fake money. So there’s no worry there.

How far away is the Commerce Casino in relation to Los Angeles? It should only take you about five minutes of time to get from downtown Los Angeles to Commerce Casino. That’s probably even less time than it takes for you to get to places within Los Angeles!

Rides and Shows at Knott’s Berry Farm

Knott’s Berry Farm is located in Buena Park. It is about a 30 minute drive from the downtown part of Los Angeles. If you are flying out to California in order to visit the Knott’s Berry Farm, your best bet is to land at John Wayne Airport, since that is the airport closest in proximity to Knott’s Berry Farm.

At the Knott’s Berry Farm, rides are what most people come for. La Revolucion, Rip Tide, Screamin’ Swing, Supreme Scream, and Wind Seeker are some of the park’s highest rated thrill rides. Like feeling your stomach churn by riding on a rollercoaster? Check out Knott’s Berry Farm’s Boomerang, Ghost Rider, Jaguar, Pony Express, Montezooma’s Revenge, Sierra Sidewinder, Silver Bullet, and Xcelerator.

Going to Knott’s Berry Farm with the family? Experience the family rides that include the Butterfield Stagecoach, Calico Railroad, Calico Mine Ride, Dragon Swing, Hat Dance, High Sierra Ferris Wheel, Merry Go Round, Sky Cabin, Wave Swinger, Wipeout, and Wheeler Dealer Bumper Cars. There is even a rollercoaster that is made just for the kids. That is the Timberline Twister ride. You only have to be 3 feet tall to ride it.

Don’t mind getting drenched? Try the water rides. There’s the Bigfoot Rapids, Perilous Plunge, Timber Mountain Log Ride.

Need a little downtime from all the rides? Watch some of Knott’s Berry Farm’s shows. See stunts performed at the Wagon Camp. Then meet Snoopy and the rest of the gang at Camp Snoopy Theatre. Are you curious about the culture of Native Americans? Go to the Mystery Lodge.

5 Fun and Free Things to Do in LA

It Doesn't Take Money to See the Sites

Los Angeles has a lot of to offer, especially if you’re looking for fun and free activates. Of course, there are terrific places to walk around, such as Hollywood, and there’s always the beach. And neither of those activities cost a dime. But there more to LA than that. Whether you’re a long-time resident or a first-time visitor, here are 5 Fun and Free things to do in L.A.

Olvera Street: Old, old Los Angeles with historic buildings such as the Avila adobe, the oldest house in LA, the Old Plaza church and Old Plaza Firehouse. Also, lots of authentic Mexican restaurants and shops on Olvera Street, so don't miss it.

San Fernando Rey de Espana. One of the original California missions. It’s worth the drive into this Northern LA Country suburb to catch this piece of California history.

Getty Center. This world-class museum is open free to the public and the collections and exhibitions are magnificent. There are lots of must-participate lectures and programs at the Getty Center, too. It will cost you $15 for parking, however, and you may need to make arrangements ahead of time.

Griffith Observatory. The observatory has been totally upgraded to the tune of $93-million to restore it to it’s world-class standing. It’s open to the public with a lot of free programs. Parking is limited, though, so plan ahead.

Farmers Market. While it’s “free,” you might find yourself shelling out the bucks for a lot of great food. The Farmers Market has been and important landmark in the Fairfax area since 1934. Not only will you find loads of fresh produce, gourmet foods, shops and restaurants. In the summer, you don’t want to miss the free jazz concerts.

Hmm, Tommy’s for Lunch?

Don't Miss this LA Legend for Your Next Chili Cheese Dog

I realized the other day that when my husband asks where we should stop and have lunch, it’s often at Tommy’s. Or to be specific, The Original Tommy’s. It's a landmark in Los Angeles and one of the must-stop places if you’re visiting... and hungry. It’s not as fancy as Pinks, but the chili cheese burgers and hot dogs are some of the best.

I know, I know, those are fighting words because a few other places around the country say they have the best, but for those of us in L.A., Tommy’s is THE place. Like many of the best joints to eat, Tommy’s has a very limited menu. They concentrate on what they do best… burgers, hot dogs and lots of chili. The variations in the menu include a single, double or triple chili burger. And of course, a Tommy’s burger or dog wouldn’t be complete without a slice of American cheese, diced onion, pickle slices and a great big thick juicy tomato slide. Oh, and don’t forget the pickled peppers on the side. Hmm!

One of my favorites – and fairly new to the menu – is the chili boat. I guess enough of us asked for just the chili that the folks at Tommy’s HQ took note. They fill one of their paper bowls full of chili and top it off with all the toppings.

The Original Tommy’s (unfortunately, there are knock offs) was started in 1946 by Tommy Koulax in a small shack on Rampart and Beverly Boulevards in Los Angeles. The place still stands and is flocked by loyal customers from morning till night. There are several Tommy's locations in the Southern California area – with more opening all the time – and a couple in Nevada.

If you haven’t had a Tommy’s burger yet, make sure you stop and savor one (or the chili boat). I promise, you’ll become a Tommy fan, too.

10 Fun Facts About Grauman's Chinese Theater

And it's More than Footprints in Cement

Whether you’re a first time visitor to Los Angeles or a long-time resident, one of places you must see is Grauman's Chinese Theatre. It’s an iconic symbol of Hollywood and looks as if it came straight out of one of those old movies, too. One of the big draws is nearly 200 footprints, handprints and autographs of some of Hollywood’s most famous celebrities. From the first prints made by Thema Talmadge to the most recent, French producer David Guetta, fans have been making their way to the theater to admire, gawk or just see what it’s like to walk in their favorite celebrities’ footsteps. If you love lore and legend, then here’s some facts of the Grauman’s Chinese Theatre you’ll want to know:

Grauman’s Chinese Theatre was built in 1927 by Sid Grauman , along with partners Mary Pickford, Douglas Fairbanks, Sr. and Howard Scheneck.
It was designed to resemble a giant, red Chinese pagoda and features a Chinese Dragon and two Chinese Ming Heavens dogs that guard the front entrance.
At the time, it cost $2 million dollars to build.
It’s located at 6925 Hollywood Boulevard near the corner of Highland.
The first movie to premier there was Cecil B DeMille’s silent film the King of Kings.
The 1944, 1945 and 1946 Academy Awards ceremonies were held there.
It was declared a historical and cultural landmark in 1968.
The first footprints at the theatre belonged to movie star Norma Talmadge.
Many top movies have held their premiers at Grauman's Chinese Thheater, including George Lucus's Star Wars.
The Grauman’s Chinese Theater still shows movies today!

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